Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but he’s opted to join Belgian club Sint-Truidense instead.
It’s a brave decision for such a young goalkeeper to make, but with Manchester United already signing Andre Onana he didn’t want to derail his development by becoming a back-up option.
United agreed a fee with Urawa Red Diamonds for Suzuki with a view to the 20-year-old coming in as a back-up keeper.
It was believed that Suzuki was a similar goalkeeper to Onana – renowned for playing out from the back and helping his side defend with a high line, so it would make sense for Ten Hag to have an option like that in the squad as an upgrade for Tom Heaton.
However, Suzuki opted to turn down United for Sint-Truidense in Belgium, as reported by The Athletic.
The keeper recently explained his decision to reject United to join Japanese-owned side STVV, who had a below par campaign in the Belgian Pro League last season.
“I decided to transfer this time as a step up in aiming to be the best in the world. It’s true that there was an offer from Manchester United,” Suzuki said, as per Goal.
“As a football player and as a person, if I hadn’t thought about anything, of course, I would like to go to Manchester United, but among them, I really want to spend time thinking about what kind of future awaits me. After much thought, I made this decision.
“Manchester United have acquired [Andre] Onana. It’s important for me to participate in matches, and I think it is also important to play on the world stage. I want to make the most of what I have learned here and do my best.”
Interestingly, Suzuki hasn’t ruled out a move to the Premier League in the future. It remains to be seen if he will have another opportunity to join United, though.
“There are still no Japanese who are active as goalkeepers in the Premier League, so I want to be one of the first players to do so. I want to keep moving forward step by step.”
This means United will need to look elsewhere for a number two, and they must sort out Dean Henderson’s future too. Nottingham Forest’s interest in Henderson may quench after signing Arsenal’s Matt Turner.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
